CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(11)
Joyce had to force herself to eat, as she had previously told them that she was fine, but they all insisted that she eat. During her few days of stay, Mr. Uche came to plead with the children, explaining that he had been in an accident and it was difficult for him to reach out to them. His forehead was plastered and his left hand was injured although the wounds were healing gradually. Joyce expressed her gratitude for his kind gesture towards the children, and a friendship formed between Joyce and Mr. Uche it was through that their friendship that Joyce managed to secure a teaching job.
At fourteen Charles was already taking the lead at Annie’s farm. While Rachel does more of selling because they observed that going to the farm was not that good for her health. At times she’d complain of headache and fever. Which made her to focus more on selling. Along the line, rachel began to exhibit strange behavior. During her menstrual period, she no longer asked Annie to help her out, instead choosing to remain quiet. However, Annie noticed that the amount of money she made from her sales was consistently less compared to the number of oranges and bananas she sold.
Rachel, I don’t understand. You sold bananas worth over four thousand naira, but here you’re only giving me two thousand. Are you misplacing my money?…Annie questioned her about the discrepancies one particular evening as she returned.
But I… But I didn’t pack much. That’s the amount I sold, she said, appearing visibly depressed.
You know if I don’t have much money, I won’t be able to go to the market. If anyone owes you, please let me know so that I can talk to them and collect my money,” Annie replied, with concern reflecting on her face.
Rachael is anybody owing you.. Charles asked her.
I– I, no– no, no– no nobody is owing me… Rachael stuttered, retreating and acting like someone that’s cold.
You know madam is the one trying to help us. Please we should not do anything that will make her angry. Rachael I don’t understand you these days again o. You’re changing. Rachael I’ve told you this thing before naa. Don’t do anything that will make our madam to vex abeg.. Charles contemplated gazing at her.
Annie looked at Rachael annoyingly, scoffed and later left.
Uche would try as much as possible to be bring some yams along whenever he returns, ensuring that the three of them ensuring that they don’t lack what to eat. Joyce would also bring some rice at times when traveling, that was how the two of them kept helping the children. These thoughtful actions from Uche and Joyce were how they continued to support and assist the children but regardless, the foodstuffs are not always enough. They still rely on farming and making sales as usual. Meanwhile, their whereabouts had not been made public due to the fear of their dad (My Iyke) seeing them.
One time, around 3:24pm, Annie and Charles returned home from the farm of which they had spent approximately four hours. They were seriously hungry. Annie hurried inside the house and retrieved a thousand naira note, handing it to Charles.
Go and buy sardines and groundnut so we can soak garri. You know the three of us shared the remaining yam that was left in the morning and I believe that your sister has gone to hawk. I’m hoping she’d make some sales this time…
Okay ma.. Charles responded, taking the money and carrying out her instructions.
Charles bought the stuffs and left the shop after walking a few distance away because of change.
On his way home, he heard Rebecca’s voice pleading and decided to trail the voice. The voice led him till he arrived at the back of a stranger’s house. There, he witnessed his sister on her knees, begging a shirtless man unfamiliar to him. Beside him, he noticed that her tray was on the ground by her left, turned upside down and three bunches of bananas were scattered on the ground.. Charles his by the corner of the few flowers observing them with astonishment all over his face.
I will bring the money please. I didn’t made much sales today… Rachael cried out in distress, swinging her hands.
You’re trying me abi! It seems you don’t want to leave this place today. I said where is the money I asked you to bring!!” The man fired at him, stretching his left palms and adjusting his trouser belt with his other hand.
